THE LEAD
#24 DBU was pitted against #15 Midwestern State in the NCAA II South Central Region #2 Championship on MSU's Tennis Center in Wichita Falls, Texas as DBU was ousted by Midwestern State, 1-5. This match-up concluded an outstanding season for the Lady Patriots Tennis team.
 
Senior, Ana Marija Banic and her doubles partner Mikayla Rinker captured DBU's one set victory with a strong 8-6 win from the number one spot over MSU's Bianca Duff and Maddy Coffman. This win is a bittersweet one for Banic, who was recently honored as the Heartland Conference Outstanding Senior of the Year.
 
RESULTS
DBU 1, MSU 5
Singles Competition

1. Daria Panferova (MSU) vs. Ana Marija Banic (DBU); match was unfinished: 7-5, 4-1
2. Eirini Kontaki (MSU) def. Lacey Sprinkel (DBU) 7-6 (7-2), 6-4
3. Bianca Duff (MSU) vs. Skylar McDonald (DBU); match was unfinished: 6-4, 4-6, 3-2
4. Maddy Coffman (MSU) def. Mikayla Rinker (DBU) 6-1, 6-3
5. Greta Lazzarotto (MSU) vs. Liz Slaughter (DBU); match was unfinished: 7-6 (7-3), 6-5
6. Ashley Ramirez (MSU) def. Cassidy Paul (DBU) 6-2, 6-4

Doubles Competition

1. Ana Marija Banic and Mikayla Rinker (DBU) def. Bianca Duff and Maddy Coffman (MSU) 8-6
2. Daria Panferova and Eirini Kontaki (MSU) def. Liz Slaughter and Skylar McDonald (DBU) 8-5
3. Greta Lazzarotto and Ashley Ramirez (MSU) def. Lacey Sprinkel and Bianca Tijerina (DBU) 8-3

COACH SARAH GRAY RECAPS AN EXTRAORDINARY SEASON
Thoughts on today's match:
"Overall we played MSU much better today than we did last time we played. Several of our matches were closer, the points and games were at a higher quality and mentally the girls had a deeper belief about their ability to get the job done. In doubles, our #1 team of Ana Banic and Mikayla Rinker stepped up and beat a top team in the region. Ana played well at the net created opportunities to dictate. Mikayla was steady from the baseline and they played United as a team. In singles play we played close sets in several of the matches but that doesn't create momentum. The team definitely fought their hardest and left everything they have on the court. They have a lot to be proud of today and from this season. Congratulations to MSU and we wish them the best at Nationals."

Season recap:
"This team made history for DBU women's tennis by being the first team to make it to the NCAA tournament. We were honored to compete and play it, and we don't take it for granted that we were given the opportunity. This group has worked very hard from September until now and had several good wins to finish third in the region. Whenever you go where you haven't gone before, it opens up your vision; the expectations about yourself and what you are capable of shift a bit.  I'm certain this experience can propel us forward if we continue in the direction we are going."

On seniors leaving:
"Ana and Lacey will be missed greatly next year. They are two hard workers and tremendous ladies off court as well. Our upcoming seniors will need to step up and look to fill the role as leaders on this team as Ana and Lacey did. We are grateful for Ana's dedication to this team and for what she has given to us: her effort, enthusiasm and the way she maxed out her opportunity. And with Lacey transferring here for her senior year is so special and so valued. She bought into our program and culture and made her senior year the best it could be with a new team and new environment."
 
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Patriots will take a break after this strong season and then begin their offseason program as they prepare for the 2017/2018 season.